French Apple Cake, Creativity, Mental Health, Hand Stitching,

I had a hankering for cake on the weekend, thought about it Saturday and relented on Sunday.  I made a French Apple Cake and used several Ambrosia apples that we love from Costco. It was light and delicious...what a great recipe and wonderful instructions from the talented Jenn at Once Upon a Chef. Just because it has French in the title doesn't mean it's fancy- quite the opposite, simple ingredients really. It tastes so good we are not needing any cream or ice cream with it.  And because I'm basically sugar free, it is satisfying my urge for something a little bit sweet.

We've been watching this version of Bleak House on Britbox and enjoying it.  Lady Dedlock is played by Gillian Anderson who I think has a face made for subtext. In this case, hiding well a secret that could ruin her.
                                  
 Dickens' play with words in naming his characters amused us.   I said if he had to name me I would definitely be Mrs. Threadwear. (note threads on my sweater below)

I have a couple photos to share of my start on the Book Club Hand Pieced Quilt Along blocks.
Here with making up the templates.  Some curves to tackle. Love my cardboard stash.

I have a small quarter inch ruler which I've found to be invaluable for applique and piecing and use a pencil to draw on the lines.
Trying to keep my stitches small and straight with a back tack here and there.

I'm thinking of making more than one of some of the simpler blocks since I have the templates ready. I like these first blocks enough to want a bigger finished piece. It's always fun to see how colour choices affect the look of a pieced block.
Up to my neck in baskets in the sewing room. These were freezer paper appliqued and still need a few pieces removed.

I have several trains of basket blocks sewn together. Ongoing at the machine.

Rose at Threadbare Creations wrote an important post about the link between creativity and mental health.  She speaks about finding our flow, a place where being in the moment makes our worries and negative thoughts disappear, is the sweet spot of creative hobbies.   I know it works for me.  Does it work for you?

I'm sharing this video today. Filmed on the Atlantic Ocean's edge, it features the Newfoundland groups, Women's Lady Cove Choir and Eastern Owl, an indigenous drumming group. Warrior made its rounds on Facebook during the International Day of Women and is powerful.  There is something about the drumming that makes it so.
I was also happy to spy a lovely closeup of one of my Facebook friends singing her heart out.

Costco was unusually quiet on Tuesday.  We were actually able to sit and have a hot dog there which we haven't been able to do for almost two years...the seats are always taken.  Toilet paper was on special so loads of it available.
During our walk yesterday we were happy to hear the Barred Owl.  It's been a while. I walked and walked trying to locate him but no luck. But I did get another photo of one of our resident bunnies. They've been living in the wood pile at the back door.

I hope your week has been good and your weekend will be even better.
Always happy to link with Not Afraid of Color, Viewing Nature With Eileen, Creations, Quilts, Art, For the Love of Geese, What a Hoot Quilts, Love Laugh Quilt, Sum of Their Stories and Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.